+1 for Ebel Discovery. It's the most accurate replica watch I've seen. CHS Explorer II (black Noob version without engraving) is definitely in the top 15 overall but the fat default crown is just awful. It needs the gen crown modification to be awesome so it doesn't quite get to the top 5. Here you can see Jmarin's Noob ExpII compared to gen. The cg shape ain't 100% but still pretty amazing don't you think?
WM9 Sub and Yachtie are pretty good as well. Add black ExpII & ExpI on the list and you have the top 4 OTB Rolex replicas.
PS: The old version of SMP Chrono (that chrgod mentioned) is awesome. With gen bezel insert it'd be just unbelievable.
I think I also adviced you to get the white dial version (instead of the red that can be spotted as a rep instantly).
Was I right or was I right?
PS: Those cgs are excellent.
How come I have missed this thread.
Of course I can tell the rep and gen apart but for most it's very difficult. I've always said the Noob ExpII is a SENSATIONAL replica.
Enjoy both of those beauties. So do I.
Ditto what capice said. That Ebel is so cool... I have to restrain myself that I don't buy the black version too.
Excellent collection. And I've always said that people should learn to enjoy what they HAVE... and not always looking for something new and "better".
I had pretty much the same goal as you... get all the watches I ever wanted and just enjoy the hell out of them. I'm pretty much in the same situation as you: I already have all my favorite watches and I'm not looking to buy new ones a lot anymore. Just when something extraordinary comes out the old "I gotta have that one" comes out there.
Tack s
The rep is indeed amazing.
Thanks for the great comparison. I will add this to the Breitling Guide so please keep those images hosted in your Photobucket (for good).
@robertk: Everybody knows I'm not a PAM fan but I actually like the blue Regatta chrono. Very cool watch! Is that a hand wind Seagull?
I'm wearing my Pepsi today.
Nice classic "low key" watch ala Explorer I, Omega Aqua Terra, etc.
Wonder what the size is? The only beef that I've had with the quartz reps is the thin case... when you get used to thicker ones those thin cases feel a bit feminine.
PS: You can get genuine old (and smaller) models of Ebel/Omega/Zenith for cheap on Ebay.
@Ubi: That TAG/Zenith link is a good observation. I never thought about that. Some new TAGs definitely have similarity to new Zenith. SLR chrono, Grand Carrera, etc.
That's the new ceramic GMT. But you're looking for the classic 16710, right?
This is the correct review to read.
The GMTIIc Ultimate is a good rep but I never really got excited about it... so I ended up trading it. There simply isn't the same magic and traditions as on the classic Pepsi (imho).
Both are awful reps.
There's only one decent rep of the 16710 and it comes from bklm1234, the "Noobfactory / Transformer" version. Why waste money on junk when there's a decent one available? bk is the only guy that people should buy Rolex reps from. He has all the best versions.
It might be more expensive but it will keep you happier in the long run.
I don't think so.
Rep makers don't make many high quality reps for vintages generally. Just imagine the sales potential of a vintage Rolex 1675 for example. There aren't any technical limitations to replicate that model unlike the new GMTs. Still... no rep exists. It's totally weird.
MBW vintages are the only ones that are even remotely accurate. And even with them you need a lot of $$$ / €€€ to make them correct.
Zenith is among the finest watch brands which should have everyone's respect... but I'm not crazy about their new designs at all.
I don't know why they don't offer the traditional models like Flyback ELP Chronograph anymore.
I guess all new Zeniths are kinda love/hate watches.
@Laz: I'm quite amazed that they can't produce a Pepsi version. I mean, man went to the moon 40 years ago.
The lack of Pepsi version is one of my issues with the GMTIIc. Just think about the traditions and the characteristic "Rolex look" that the Pepsi version has. It's immediately indentifiable as a Rolex (although many brands have copied it). Pepsi bezel has been a symbol of Rolex GMT for decades.